Switcher.ie’s 7 Tips and Refund Rights for Unwanted Christmas gifts

Irish shoppers spent more than €700 on Christmas presents this year, a 33% increase from 2020. Chances are, many gifts will end up in the unwanted pile – but as every penny counts this year, it’s important to make sure nothing goes to waste.

Here are Switcher.ie’s top tips when it comes to dealing with unwanted gifts:

1. Try for an in-store refund: Always try for a refund or exchange if you have a gift receipt. Although they’re not legally required to give you one, some shops will accept your return and provide a refund, exchange or credit note as a gesture of goodwill.

2. Check for faults: Although you don’t have the same legal rights as the person who bought the gift, if it’s not fit for purpose or faulty and if you have the receipt, you should be able to get an exchange or refund.

3. Ask if it was bought online: Online shoppers are entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period because they can’t view before paying. If you’re comfortable asking, check if your gift was bought online.

4. Consider selling: If you can’t refund or exchange your gift, consider selling it online on a site like Done deal, Adverts, Amazon or Depop for clothing.

5. Look at regifting: Consider keeping your unwanted gifts for upcoming birthdays or special occasions – you never know, it might save you forking out for something new.

6. Decide to donate: Consider donating the gifts to a local charity, school, or community group. Before donating, see if they will accept your gift first.

7. Do a swap: Some apps like Irish app Nuw, allow you to swap or lend your like-new clothes. You could also organise or attend a swap-shop event, or just organise one with your own friends and family.

Eoin Clarke, commercial director of Switcher.ie, comments:

“With so many of us scrambling to cut corners this year, it’s important to avoid waste at all costs. Even if something is gifted, you should always try for a refund or exchange –  some shops might accommodate you as a gesture of goodwill.”

“If you’re comfortable asking the gift giver, find out if the gift was bought online, as they may have extra refund rights. Selling online or regifting are other ways to save money and reduce waste – while donating to charities and schools helps support local communities.”